AMD's RV770 architecture, set to launch this summer, will be immediately followed by a new graphics architecture from NVIDIA, codenamed GT200. GeForce 9900, as it's been dubbed, is not simply a derivation of G92 like the current GeForce 9800 GX2 and GTX offerings.

NVIDIA has been extremely tight-lipped about GeForce 9900, as it overlaps considerably with its current high-end offerings. NVIDIA's latest flagship products, the GeForce 9800 GTX and GeForce GX2 only made their debut last month. Unlike the GeForce 9900, these cards were once again based on the G92 die -- nearly the same GPU used in the GeForce 8800 GT.

Original NVIDIA roadmaps put the GT200 launch in late Fall 2008. However internal memos sent out to board partners in early March detail that the GT200 processor has already been taped out. The same document alludes to the fact that the GT200 chip is very stable, and has been ready to ship for reference designs for several weeks already.

The company gave no reason for the tentative roll-in, but with AMD launching the successor to successful RV670 (Radeon 3850, 3870) this summer, it seems entirely plausible that NVIDIA anticipates another close race.

AMD partners claim Radeon RV770 will make its debut this summer under $300. NVIDIA's 9900 is currently scheduled as an ultra-high end adapter to be priced higher than the GeForce 9800 GX2 offerings, which retail for more than $500 today.

Channel partners indicate that the 9800 GTX and GX2 will begin phasing out next month in preparation for the GT200 launch. Both companies have made promises to show demonstrations of their next-gen cards at the Computex Taipei trade show on June 3, 2008.

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